Race for Beatrice Mayor now includes three candidates

BEATRICE – A third candidate has entered the race to become Beatrice Mayor. Jake Speakman of 905 South 7th filed to run, on Friday. Speakman has lived in Beatrice for the past thirteen years and is a diesel mechanic for Armstrong Rentals.

"Honestly, I'm just hoping that more people like me would kind of consider doing it....a blue-collar worker...I'd like the businesses in town to do better before we bring more in. I would like to see more things for kids to do. We don't have a lot for them to do."

Speakman says accomplishing goals takes the help of the entire community to make big things happen. This is his first try at public elective office.
"I am the Commander of the Sons of the Legion here in town...but this is the biggest step, so far."

Speakman says he’s received a lot of encouragement to enter the race for mayor and has a good support group.  He joins Beatrice City Council members Bob Morgan and Gary Barnard as candidates for the mayor’s job. The three candidates filing so far, creates a runoff in the primary election, this year.

Mayor Stan Wirth opted not to seek a third term as mayor.

Also filing on Friday was an incumbent on the Wymore City Council. Neil VanBoening is seeking reelection to the council, in Ward Two.